Ottawa approves gradual increase in direct passenger, cargo flights with China

The federal government says it will allow a gradual increase in direct air travel between Canada and China, expanding both passenger and cargo flight capacity after years of reduced service.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the change will permit Canadian and Chinese airlines to increase direct passenger flights and operate up to 20 cargo flights per week, with reciprocal access to destinations in both countries. The announcement follows outreach by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a visit to Beijing in January.

According to a federal statement, the adjustment is intended to support trade diversification and tourism as Ottawa works toward a target of increasing exports to China by 50 per cent by 2030. The government did not specify how many additional passenger flights will be added or on what timeline.

Flight capacity between the two countries has recovered slowly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with some Canadian businesses citing higher travel costs and longer routes due to limited direct options. Industry concerns have included delays and added expenses tied to connecting flights.

Ottawa has also maintained restrictions on flight paths that cross Russian airspace, part of Canada’s broader policy response to Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. That requirement has affected route planning and was cited as one factor slowing the restoration of direct service.